Journey updates
This is where Shelly shares what's happening — the hard days, the hopeful ones, and every moment of grace in between. Check back often, and keep the prayers coming.
I am overwhelmed — in the best possible way — by the outpouring of love this community has shown. Meals, messages, prayers, and simple acts of kindness have carried us through days we didn't know how to face. Shelly wants you to know: she feels every single one. Thank you for being here.
This Friday is my first infusion! The road ahead is not easy, but I am trying to approach it with faith, and quiet courage.
Today I met with the oncologist, for my second appt. He showed me my scans, and the cancer is still in same place as it was when I got my cat scan weeks ago. The cancer is sitting in my thymus gland and lining of my lungs (pleura). My Chemo will tentatively begin on 18th, I can always choose to switch my chemo to IU Simon but it will be the same drugs via IV, 4 hours once every 3 weeks. I will have a week of feeling bad, probably followed by 2 good weeks and then back at it again. The doctor confirmed it’s stage 4 and does not recommend surgery cause it has already spread. My beautiful thick red hair will be gone soon. Some days are harder than others, but this should be a reminder to us all what it means to be fully present. We are holding onto these moments. They matter more than we can say.
It has only been ONE day since I have learned about this and decided to tell everyone and I’m so blown away and the amount of love support texts, calls, from so many people. Friends from college I haven’t spoken to in forever, people from church that I never talk to, and just so many people from different parts of my life. I am truly HUMBLED and GRATEFUL for all of you. “Look at the stars, look at how they shine for you” ⭐️ 🎶
Day 1- I can officially announce the unfortunate news that I have THYMIC CARCINOMA. This is a very RARE cancer, thymus gland is located behind the breast bone in front of the heart and lungs. It had spread to lining of my lungs. PET scan as soon as Monday, waiting on scheduling to call and Chemo will start soon most likely in about 2 weeks. There are many unknowns and I am in a state of shock still. Thank you for your prayers and support. Today is what I consider to be the first day of the start of what may be a long road ahead. It is all getting very real. I feel the strength that God is giving me and I feel the prayers! I can’t do this alone. I am grateful for friends and family and their support. "I want you all to know that your love is not lost on me. On the days when I feel small, I think of this community — of you — and I feel held. I don't have the words to thank you properly, so I'll just say this: I see you, and I love you back." — Shelly
More to come — check back soon
More to come — check back soon
More to come — check back soon
More to come — check back soon
There are so many ways to show up for Shelly — from prayer to meals to a simple note of encouragement.
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